Preparing for the Lord's Day
EXILES IN A FOREIGN LAND
1 Peter Sermon Series
Mania, confusion, and hysteria are what we should expect at the end times if we are to believe the film and popular novels which depict this event. How many watched A Thief in the Night and came away horrified about what the end would be like? How many have read the Left Behind Series with the hope that they would not have to live through the events depicted? We might be taught to pray Maranatha (come Lord!), but I think that many of us would prefer that He come later rather than sooner. Notwithstanding the warnings the Bible gives concerning the end times, the overall teaching of the Bible is that Christians should not fear the end times but rather should anticipate the second coming of Christ with great hope and anticipation. In our passage for this Sunday, the Apostle Peter explains that the end is coming. However, the fact of the Lord’s immanent return should lead Christians to clear thinking, rational decisions, and thoughtful prayer. The coming of the end should not bring mania and fear but peace and sobriety. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon 1 Peter 4:7-11, Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Westminster Confession of Faith 33.3.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise," the Acclamation of Praise "O Worship the King," and the Hymn of Response "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken." Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
If you’re going to be out of town this Sunday, let me encourage you to listen to the sermon online (usually posted by Monday afternoon) or you can download the REPC podcast, which will be delivered to your mobile device.
Sermon Notes
Text: 1 Peter 4:7
Title: The End Is Near
1. Every Christian must act with self-control.
2. Every Christian must think with sobriety.
3. Every Christian must pray with understanding.